In the year 1910, on recommendation of Darvesh Shah, Chhote Khan went in Sai Baba's refuge. On his first visit to Shirdi, Sai Baba was standing in a lane and a lady bowed to His Holy Feet. Chhote Khan, on seeing Baba, went behind Him, stood there and started reciting First chapter of Kuran as per instruction of Dervesh Shah. As soon as Chhote Khan said, "Bismillah" then Baba turned back and angrily said, "Who are you? Are you My Father who has come to inquire about Me?" Baba then abused and scolded him much. Baba did not allow him to enter Dwarkamai, so Chhote Khan sat outside Dwarkamai.

When Baba did not allow Chhote Khan to enter Masjid, Kaka Saheb Dixit and other devotees took Chhote Khan's side and approached Sai Baba on their own accord, "Baba why are You angry with Chhote Khan, we all are Your kids." Baba answered, "You call him a kid, he beat a master and killed him". Baba's words fitted well with an incident which happened with Chhote Khan. He was serving as a trooper in Nizam in the office of Mamlatdar. During police inquiry, he beat a master rudely because he did not reveal full information. The master then fell to ground in unconscious state with his mouth bleeding profusely. Thus mamlatdar asked Khan to resign, leave job and go away elsewhere. Fearing future inquiry on him, he left his job. Thenafter Khan went to Darvesh Shah from where he was destined to be received by Sai Baba with abuses. Sai Baba, knowing this incident, got angry with Khan and prohibited his entry in Masjid.

After few days, Baba opened Dwarkamai's door for Khan when he went to Dwarkamai with Kasim, Jog and Kakasaheb Dixit. Baba blessed him saying, "Don't fear, Allah is Sole Protector. There will be no inquiry on you". Khan then, passed two months in Shirdi.

Khan wanted Baba to advice him on pending case of land dispute. Baba adviced him, "You go without any worry. The dispute will be settled in your favour". The dispute was for acquiring a land which was in the name of Khan's mother-in-law (given to her by her mother-in-law). The dispute, as said by Baba was settled in Khan's favour and he got possession of that land.

Kusha Bhave is a name, which has remained hidden in pages of history with reference to life stories and details of closest devotees of Sai Baba. It was practice of Sai Baba of Shirdi to give nicknames to His devotees in accordance with their nature or physical characteristics. Devotees who got such names as a blessing from Sai Baba, accepted the names and were addressed thus thenafter. Kusha Bhave is one such name given to a devotee who has originally named as 'Krishnaji Kashinath Joshi'. Being one of the gems of the court of Sai Baba let us now see few astonishing facts about his life and even more how he was blessed by Sai Baba with a special power of re-producing Udi.

Krishnaji Joshi was born in a village named 'Mirja' about 70 miles away from Ahmednagar to Kashinath Padmakar Joshi in the year 1866. Belonging to a poor family, after completing his schooling, he served as a teacher in a small school of his village with a monthly compensation of Rs. 5-6. He even did poojas, by learning their family worship. But he was not interested in spirituality. Thus he made Dutta Maharaj his Guru and learnt occult powers and started practicing them. To use and practice physic and occult powers, Kusha Bhave had to wear a thick iron bangle.

Till 1888, i.e. at an age of 22, Kusha Bhave had possessed almost all physic and occult powers. At the same time, his guru decided to go to Himalayas and attain Samadhi there. Kusha Bhave accompanied his guru till Delhi. In the moment of separation, Shirdi Sai Baba was introduced to Kusha Bhave by his own guru and was adviced to abide by His teachings and follow them thenafter. In a note, the guru addressed Sai Baba as his elder brother, "Majha Vadil Bhaau".

After 20 years of the above mentioned incident when Kusha Bhave went to Shirdi, Sai Baba welcomed him with these words, "Take off and throw away your iron bangles. You will be granted entry only upon doing this". Sai Baba's words were Kusha Bhave's immediate actions. He immediately parted off with the so-called bangles (and also occult powers). As Kusha Bhave came to Shirdi with empty pockets he had to live by begging alms in Shirdi. He was entrusted the duty of reading 'Das Bodh' composed by Ramdas Swami by sitting in a corner of Dwarkamai. Wherever little space he found, it would be his bed stead. Though always ready to take Sai Baba's orders and acting on them, Baba till then did not give him any updesh or mantra.

The greatest cause of a man's problems and unhappiness is his own state of mind. Whatever a person possess, is not liked by him. He likes the things which are not his. Thus a person's state of mind which is fully flooded with hopes and desires, makes him unsatisfactory and he is always longing for 'more'.

No one is perfect. Weakness or shortcomings are common in every human. Only its intensity changes. On the other hand, whatever is destined to happen will happen and every person has to accept it. Thus it is advised to people who are heavily loaded with miseries and desires to stable their mind, have firm faith in Sai Baba and lead a peaceful life. Firm faith in Baba in a way means a carefree life without any worries and afflictions.

It was in the year December 1911, Lord Dattatreya's birthday was celebrated enthusiastically in Shirdi. Next day i.e. December 8th, severe cold made Shirdi freeze.

Morning darbar of Sai Baba had presence of some renowned and well known devotees like Madhavrao Despande, Bhism Thosar from Bombay (presently called Mumbai), Advocate Ganesh Krishna Khaparde, Dasganu Maharaj, Kakasaheb Dixit, Ravbahadur Moreshwar Pradhan and his wife Chhotubai from Mumbai. That day every face present in Baba's darbar reflected grief as Baba's favourite child Babu had died that day. Even the grief and sorrow of Babu's death had made Baba too sit quietly. Babu name was lovingly given by Baba to Dada Kelkar's nephew and Baba loved and care for him immensely.

Sometime later Baba saw Chhotubai Pradhan and broke His silence, "This Babu will take birth somewhere else. I have to pay off debt of Chhotubai. I will free this Babu from Dharmraja (Yamraj) and place him in Chhotubai's womb. Babu will be Chhotubai's son for ten years. I will call him back after the birth of his brothers and sisters". Thus Baba called him back, he lived for ten years as Chhotubai's son and after his pre-decided tasks were over, he died as per Baba's words.

Baba used to say, "My treasury is full, its overflowing and open to all. Loot away whatever you want and fill your cart loads, but mind well to take my treasury, do you have such power?" A staunch disciple of virtuous Guru can only take this step. A person whose fortune has risen, whose fruits bad deeds have perished can only take away Baba's treasury. Only devotes like Balaram Mankar and Upasani Maharaj sometimes are successful in achieving this unachievable target.

Babu again took birth through Chhotubai's womb. After two sons and one daughter were born to her.

We generally find that no one is happy and content in all virtues. Some is overcrowded with physical problems, some with mental problems, some with financial problems and there is no end to it. Chhotubai was no exception to it.

One of the sons of Chhotubai used to get fits anywhere and at anytime. He fell unconscious and his legs used to get stiff during fits.

One night when all the members of Pradhan family were fast asleep, Baba came near Chhotubai's bed and said, "You are sleeping! Your son Madhukar will get fit".

Hearing voice of Baba in this way Chhotubai was overflowed with love for Baba. All sorts of mixed feelings - happiness and sorrow - gathered her. She started speaking in sleep itself, "Sai save us protect us. This child is Yours. I am only his guardian. So You will have to protect this child.

Like this talking to Baba in sleep, Chhotubai was awakened, she stoop up from her bed and went near Madhukar's bed who was fast asleep. There were no symptoms of fit. Also he was not coughing. Chhotubai was sure that Baba's words never be untrue. So she took out all medicines from cupboard which were needed at the time of fit and arranged them on table. She also kept water for boiling. After arranging for all necessary things, Chhotubai sat near Madhukar's bed. It was her firm belief that Baba would never speak facts which are not true and the voice she heard before few minutes was of none other than Sai Baba.

It was 2 o'clock at night. Madhukar raised his hands in sleep and started loosing consciousness. This was noticed by Chhotubai and she woke up other members of her family. As Chhotubai had arranged everything in advance with grace of Sai Baba, she asked all to be calm and not to worry.

After half an hour the boy regained consciousness and then after he permanently got rid of this physical ailment.

Sai Baba became one with Lord Shiva and blessed Chandrabai Borkar while she was observing Kokila Vrat. Now we shall see how Sai Baba gave her honour as first worshipper of Upasani Maharaj who resided in Khandoba Temple.A short reference of Upasani Maharaj has been given in Sai Satcharitra. When it was proposed to install Baba's Padukas as a remembrance of His first advent in Shirdi, it was Upasani Maharaj who suggested the sloka to be inscribed on Padukas depicting importance of Sweet Neem tree. This verse is incorporated in third verse of Sai Mahim Strotram. Sai Mahim Strotram is sung during Madhyayan Arti and Dhoop Arti. Now let's proceed to the main story.

It was Friday and Gurupoornima. Chandrabai was seated in Dwarkamai with pooja articles waiting for her turn to worship Sai Baba. Dwarkamai was crowded to suffocation. Many devotees had turned up for Baba's darshan due to Gurupoornima. Everyone was waiting for his/her turn.

Chandrabai's pooja dish had all sorts of pooja articles in her dish. It contained Haldi (turmeric powder), Kumkum (red-coloured powder), rice grains (Akshat), a small bottle of Attar (perfume or scent), fruits and milk. Baba said, "Go to Vithoba's place!"

Baba used to call Lord Khandoba as Lord Vithoba. Lord Khandoba is said to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva while Vithoda is Lord of Vishnu and Vaishnav caste. Orthodox thinking prevailed in those days. Ignorant people of Vaishnav caste did not enter Lord Shiva temple. By symbolizing Khandoba as Vithoba, Sai Baba explained His devotees that there is least difference between them and there are one and the same.

Chandrabai said, "O God! You are asking me to go to Lord Vithoba's temple. Upasani Maharaj, who in always in meditation, throws pooja plate if anyone goes to worship Him. Even more sometimes there are chances of getting beating also."

Sai Baba who are wanted to give her a special honour pointed pooja plate and again said, "Take it and go to Vithoba temple".

Chandrabai was Baba's true devotee and His word was order which she could not deny. She was determined to abide by Baba's words even if she had to undergo many difficulties. She went to Khandoba temple and worshipped Upasani Maharaj to which Upasani Maharaj also did not object. Thus Baba gave her honour of first worshipper of Upasani Maharaj.

Every two and half years, Adhik Radha Prurshottam named Holy month comes. Thus in this way, every nineteen years, Adhik Maas (month) comes along with Ashaadh Maas. Ashaadh month followed by Ashaadh Adhik Maas is named as Kokila Ashaadh.

In this month, married women worship Lord Shankar and Parvati. Women get up early in the morning and go to river for bath. The vrat story of Kokila vrat consists of total thirty chapters, so women read one chapter per day and complete the whole story in one month. After reading one chapter, women listen to cooing of cuckoo (Kokila means cuckoo) and then only take one time meal and observe fast for rest of the day. Women do not partake any food until they hear the cooing of the cuckoo.

In urban areas to listen to cooing of cuckoo is a rare thing, so women go to a village or reside near a river bank and observe this fast. It is compulsory to conclude the fast in the same place where it has been started. Thus to observe this fast and to conclude it as per rules specified, women stayed in any village or on river bank for one month.

Main Story :

A lady named Chandrabai Borkar was Baba's ardent devotee. Her husband was railway employee. In the year 1912, he was serving at Pandharpur railway station. In that year Ashadhi Adik Maas came and Baba advised Chandrabai, "You do Kokila vrat. Lord Shiva will be pleased with you and He will take care of your family's welfare".

Adhering to Baba's words, Chandrabai chose pure and clean place near Godavari river in Kopergaon village.

Chandrabai said, "Baba, we observe vrat of Chaturmaas - four months from July to October and so we do not consume onion and garlic in these four months. Moreover, I dont have any house of mine here. I am staying here to observe Kokila vart".

Fakir said with a smile on His face and without any sign of disappointment, "Dennar Pan Chaangla Naahi Denaar Pan Changlaa meaning Welfare be to the one who gives and also to the one who does not give".

After that Fakir left, when Chandrabai recalled that incident she felt that the Fakir has same glow on his face which she saw on Baba's face in Shirdi.

She thought, "To conclude my Kokila vrat I cannot go to Shirdi and offer anything to Baba, but when He came to me, I sent him empty handed!!! Who is more misfortunate than me? God came to my place and I sent him without giving Him anything". She became very restless at night and said to herself, "The night is not passing quickly". She mentally started praying to Baba, "O my loving Sai Nath! please pass this black long night quickly, so that I can come to Shirdi to have Your darshan".

Somehow night passed and she woke up early, quickly finished off her morning chores, prepared jaggery chapati and garlic paste for Baba and set off for Shirdi.

On reaching Shirdi, she saw that Baba was returning from Lendibaug. She immediately fell at Baba's feet. She was very content with Baba's darshan and her love flowed in form of tears.

After this noon arti was performed by Bapusaheb Jog in Dwarkamai. Baba sent all devotees to their lodgings and homes and Chandrabai then offered jaggery chapati and garlic paste made out of love to Baba.

Baba said, "When I came to you to get My desired thing, you did not give me, now why have you come to Me with these things?"

Chandrabai said, "Ignorant being as I am, I could not recognise You but now I have come to You with Your desired food".

Baba said to others, "She is my sister from seven births. Wherever I go she finds me and comes to me" and turned to Chandrabai and said, "Go your vrat will be be fruitful". In this way Baba blessed Chandrabai.

Chandrabai realised that Lord Shiva had taken form of Sai Baba for completing Kokila vrat and thus her joy knew no bounds. She concluded Kokila vrat as given in Shashtras and returned Pandharpur quite contended and happy.

In the year 1911 Mankar was Kopergaon's mamlatdar. He had strong devotion towards Sai Baba. He came in close contact with Dr. Sitaram. Dr. Sitaram was staunch devotee of Lord Rama

Mankar, many a times, used to talk about Baba to Dr. Sitaram. He used to say, "Sai Baba is not Muslim Fakir, He is an ocean of truth, follower of preachings of Vedas, He incarnated in Shirdi for the benefit of the world, I am an ignorant person to describe Baba's nature and love in Godly way. Thus whatever may come, you please go to Shirdi once for Darshan of Sai Baba.

Doctor replied, "My head will not bow down to any God other than Lord Rama".

Mankar said," Doctor! Never mind if you dont bow to Sai Baba, its your wish. Baba will ask you to bow down to Him, instead Sai Baba says - as you sow, so shall you reap by coming Here."

After sometime Christmas holidays commenced. Mamlatdar Mankar and Dr. Sitaram went to Shirdi on December 21. As soon as Dr. Sitaram climbed steps of Dwarkamai, he was surprised.

He saw Lord Rama on Sai Baba's seat. He was so engrossed and surprised to see Lord Rama. He bowed to Baba with folded hands. At the time of returning to lodging, Mankar asked Doctor, "What happened? You were determined not to go to that Fakir but were the first to bow to Him as soon as you climb the steps of Dwarkamai".

Doctor, who was over flowing with emotions replied, "This is not a fakir, but My Parabrahma Lord Rama! Mankar Saheb, how can I narrate my experience to you. Today good deeds of my this birth and many previous births have been fruitful as I had very good Darshan of Lord Rama."

Doctor added, "I will not partake food and also will not go to Dwarkamai unless Parabrahma Ram Sai Baba blesses me." So Doctor resided in Shirdi only.

Like this three days passed and Doctor didnt partake food nor went to Dwarkamai as per his vow.

On the fourth day, Baba's devotee named Vasantrao came. He was familiar with Doctor from long time. He was surprised to see Doctor in Shirdi as he knew that Doctor was staunch devotee of Lord Rama and it was otherwise with him to bow to any other God.

Both the friends met after nine years in Shirdi. In this happiness Doctor forgot his vow and along with Vasantrao went to Dwarkamai holding his hand. Both bowed to Baba and sat in front of Him.

Baba asked, "Who had come to call you at your place?" Hearing these words from Baba, Doctor was surprised and felt ashamed.

Dr. Sitaram took food after four days at his lodgings and had sound sleep. In early morning Baba appeared in Doctor'ss dream and made him experience the eternal bliss. After taking Baba's leave, Doctor left for Kopergaon and he experienced the same bliss for fifteen days.

We had heard about Bade Baba's strange behaviour towards Sai Baba. Pride arouse in Bade Baba's mind as he was respected by Baba in the form of highest Dakshina of more than Rs. 100 everyday. At times Bade Baba even acted against Baba's wishes. The devotees felt that Bade Baba must use his language carefully and politely while at least speaking to or about Baba. But, his choice of words bordered on sheer arrogance.

Once Baba's devotee Shri Raghuvir Bhaskar Purandare was suffering was suffering from severe headache. Whole night, he was restless. In the same condition, he went to Baba. Bade Baba, who was sitting nearby, told harshly to Baba, "Purandare has suffered during the entire night. He has got a sever headache. Look after him. Don't make him so much ill."

Another similar event. Once, Baba was very much upset with Purandare. Therefore, Baba did not allow Purandare to fix the plants of beautiful scented flowers that he had specially bought. Obseving this, Bade Baba told Baba rahter self-righteously, "Why are You getting so angry with Purandare? He is dying for You day and night. he forgets to even drink or eat while serving You. You also remember im at all times. But, when he comes to You, You act as if You are upset. What is this strange behaviour?"

After having his lunch it was Bade Baba's practice to get ready to go. Everyday, Baba would bid him good bye by walking a few steps with him. After the previous said arrogant utterance, Bade Baba further added as usual, "Achchaa, I am going now. Are You coming or not?" Baba did not take offence at these words; but quietly got up and saw him off.

In the initial period, whenever the devotees made preparations for Arti, Bade Baba would get up and go down to the Sabha Mandap. He did not participate in the Arti. Later on, as persuaded by Kakasaheb Dixit, he did not move to the Sabha Mandap; but continued his abstainace from participating in Arti. Many Hindu devotee disliked this. However, Kakasaheb as per his kind and loving nature managed to persuade the Hindu devotes to overlook Bade Baba's behaviour. He said, "Sai Baba has accepted Bade Baba as His. Therefore, he is one of us. Then, where does the question of discrimination arise?"

Bade Baba's bloated ego had become a nuisance to other devotees. They covertly hated him. Therefore, they even did not let out their rooms for Bade Baba's stay. Ultimately, Kakasaheb came to his rescue and allowed him to stay in one of his rooms in his Wada. Kakasaheb said, "We must see ourselves in anyone who has been accepted by Baba".

It is only the fortunate few who are able to spend time with saints. But, even they must strive to overcome ego.

Baba treated Bade Baba as one of His near and dear ones. He was accorded the honor reserved for guests and friends. Baba always kept a seat next to Him for Bade Baba. A lot of amount was everyday donted to Him. Bade Baba was even given several opportunities for Parmeshwar-prapti.

But, Bade Baba wasted all the opportunities because of his bloated ego.

While giving money, Baba always cautioned, "This belongs to Allah. Eat, but don't defecate". The money given by Sai Baba was not to be used for seving self-interests. Those who used it for the betterment of others, prospered. However, Bade Baba spent money received from Baba for his family. However, within two months after Baba laid down His mortal physical form - Bade Baba became pennyless. He had to go begging from village to village. He passed away at Nagpur in January 1926.

It appears that Baba used Bade Baba as a medium of instruction. Through this, Baba wanted to set an example, from which other devotees could draw a lesson.

The then Editor of Shri Sai Leela Magazine Shri Kakasaheb Mahajani writes in his article, "Maharaj had some unique ways of imparting His teachings. One such method as Fakir Baba's (Bade Baba's) stay in Shirdi and Baba's behaviour with Him. One can draw a lot of lesson from this example.

Sai Baba's fame had reached to every nook and corner. Mumbai's revenue commissioner was one of them who heard about Sai Baba's leelas. His name was Mr. Curtis. He told about Leelas of Baba to his wife and added that Baba is God on Earth. Though Mrs. Curtis was an European lady, she was very much interested in religious matters.

In outward terms Mrs. Curtis was happy and contended. But she was unhappy from within as she was childless. All the time she was in depressed state. Thus Mr. Curtis went to see Sai Baba as his last hope. It was morning and Baba had returned from Lendibaug. Madhavrao Deshpande, Dasganu Maharaj and Kakasaheb Dixit were present. Baba sarcastically said these words pointing at Mr. Curtis, "These cunning people come for My Darshan, but I am also a simple human like you".

The english couple was standing at some distance. At the same moment a devotee by name Shri Nilkant Sahastra Buddhe entered Dwarkamai with Pooja plate in his hands. Seeing men in government uniform he paused. Commissioner Curtis's servant went forward and said to Nilkant Sahastra Buddhe, "Go and inform your Sai Baba that state's highly honoured officials have come to meet Him. So if He has finished His daily routine, He may please call them". Nilkant Sahastra Buddhe replied, "O Brother, i dont have any problem in forwarding your message and inform Sai Baba about your intention. But I doubt that Sai Baba will not meet you as your traits are not like saints. If you wish to meet any saint, you have to be very polite, must possess strong desire to meet him. There is no room for dominance. You cannot go to Saint's place with intention to test them. Proudness of your learning and richness have no place in saints courts.

Sahastra Buddhe went inside Dwarkamai and passed on the message to Sai Baba with folded hands. Baba didn't reply. The English couple waited for long time to get Baba's reply. Still the result was the same. Meanwhile Baba got up, took his Satka and Tumbler in His hands and put His Jholi on His shoulders and was proceeding towards NandRam Marwadi's house for begging alms. The Commissioner's servant quickly went to Baba, folded his hands and again requested to allow his master to meet Him.

Baba answered sweetly, "Still one hour to go".

Baba begged alms from four houses and returned to Dwarkamai. After arti the whole atmosphere was surrounded by cries of "Victory be to our Sadguru Sai Maharaj, Who is Pure Consciousness, Knowledge and Bliss " Sai Baba came near steps of Dwarkamai and disributed Udi to all present there. Still the English couple was not called.

Mr. Curtis again sent his servant with the same message. Again the answer came, "Still one hour to go".

Hearing these sweet words of Sai Baba the English couple was full of emotions. They were overflowing with love for Sai Baba. They again bowed down to Baba's feet.

Now everybody present in Dwarkamai came to know significance of Baba's words "These cunning people come for My Darshan" which He uttered in morning.

After this incident ten months passed. A cute baby boy took birth to this English couple. They went to Shirdi with the infant for Baba's darshan. Baba proved His words practically, "I do not require any worship either eight fold or sixteen fold. Worldly pandits do such things, but I dont. Instead where is true devotion from deep heart, I am always present. I am only hungry for your love".

Durgabai and her son, days passed by and Raghu attained age of five. Durgabai decided to perform his thread ceremony. Nanasaheb Chandorkar, Kakasaheb Dixit, Raobahadur Dhumal, Dada Saheb Khaparde and many other able devotees collected Rs. 75 by their personal contribution and gave them to Durgabai. Four days were remaining for thread ceremony. There was burglary in Durgabai’s house. Four thieves stole away all the money from the house. When Durgabai came to know that nothing was left in her house, she was completely dejected. Whole day she cried and so her eyes got puffed by crying. She did not perform her evening worship too. Next day at about nine in morning, Sai Baba came near her house on His round to Lendibaug. No sooner did she saw Baba coming than she ran to Him, fell at His feet and started crying loudly.

Baba gently placed His hand on Durgabai’s head and said, “Durge, what is there to cry in this matter? Is there any scarcity of money in our court? I am here to give thousands of rupees. I will give you carts and carts of money. Let this money be gone, it was not Ours”. These words pacified Durgabai to large extent.

After few days, Durgabai was massaging Baba’s back in Dwarkamai. She was concerned about her son’s education. Baba said, “There is no master to teach Raghu here. Who will teach him? Allah Malik is his Master". Baba arranged for Raghu’s education in Amravati in supervision of Dada Saheb Khaparde.

Once Baba asked Durgabai, “O Durge! Do you go to Vithoba (Khandoba) temple?” Durgabai replied, “Yes I go there sometimes.” Baba said, “Upasani Maharaj has become very weak. Durge, you serve Him in Khandoba temple in the same way like you are doing to Me here. It will be equivalent to serving Me”

At that time Upasani Maharaj was in deep meditation. If anybody went near Him, Upasani Maharaj abused them. Not minding these consequences Durgabai headed towards Khandoba temple. Upasani Maharaj did not accept any food from anybody. If anybody boldly took this action, he would get beatings and abuses. But was Durgabai to pay attention on all these? For her Baba’s words were order and law.

On July 27, 1914, Upasani Maharaj left Shirdi and no one knew where He went. Still as per her custom, Durgabai used to go to Khandoba temple and placed food dish under banyan tree in the name of Upasani Maharaj. In the year 1916, Durgabai came to know that Upasani Maharaj resided in Sakori. So after offering Naivedya to Sai Baba in Shirdi, Durgabai used to go to Sakori walking to offer Him Naivedya.

Once Doulu Sheth of Rahat had organized Satsang of Upasani Maharaj in Rahata. So Durgabai used to go to Rahata with Naivedya for Upasani Maharaj from Shirdi. A big thorn went into her foot enroute Rahata. Every effort to take thorn out failed. Still it did not interrupt Durgabai’s seva. After Upasani Maharaj accepted her Naivedya, she would partake her food.

As days passed by the swelling and pain of the wound increased. She was finding difficult to walk normally. One day Upasani Maharaj noticed Durgabai’s wounded leg. He showed artificial angriness and said, “Why are you suffering from so many days without telling anybody? If you say someone, there can be a solution for your suffering.” Upasani Maharaj called for a pair of tongs and hold Durgabai's leg. Another person took out the big thorn which went deep into Durgabai’s foot.

After Baba’s Mahasamadhi, Durgabai made Sakori as her permanent stay for serving Upasani Maharaj. After many years of her selfless service, Durgabai breathed her last in Solapur Sai Dham.

ChhotuBai's family was prosperous in all aspects. Her first son Babu used to be sick often. To help ChhotuBai in her household chores, a Brahmin servant from Andhra Pradesh named Shivappa was appointed. He was staunch devotee of Lord Dattatreya.

Once it so happened that Babu had high fever. Everyone in the house was tensed. Since members of Pradhan family were devotees of Sai Baba and had firm faith that Babu will be alright with His grace, Shivappa thought these people are unnecessarily running after this Fakir of Shirdi (Shirdiwale Fakir).

His mind was full of doubts for Baba. He thought again that they were Hindus, followers of Vedic religion, worshippers of Lord Dattatreya. So if a Fakir's photograph is worshiped in a house, then it will surely attract misfortune.

Same night Baba appeared in Shivappa's dream. Baba stood under the staircase of Moreshwar Pradhan's house, having a stick in his hand and a glowing face with rage, said, "I am Owner of this house. Who are you to interfere in our relations ?"

Next day Babu's health was in most serious condition. Shivappa went near Babu's bed and took a vow in his mind," If Babu ask for milk in next five minutes and is hail and hearty till tomorrow, I will accept the truth that Sai Baba is Himself Lord Dattatreya and also will go to Shirdi, bow to Him and offer 125 rupees."

After 5 minutes, Babu turned around and asked for milk. Than he drank milk and next day morning he was on his legs playing merrily. From that day Shivappa became an ardent devotee of Baba, went to Shirdi, fulfilled his vow. After this incident he used to go to Shirdi for Baba's Darshan off and on.

In the year 1904, Vamanrao Patel was of 15 years. He lived in Matunga with his father. At that time Prakashanandji Maharaj was hosted by one of his devotees. Vamanrao and his younger brother Vaikunthrao used to press Maharaj's legs and body.

Maharaj used to tease them and said, "Red horse is of Vamanya and white horse is of Vaikunthrao" meaning for sometime Vamanya would require some support of his younger brother.

When Vamanrao was studying law, he used to cram Gita Path, Panchikaran but still he was confused about existence of God. These thoughts always formed tangles in his mind. Thus all his knowledge was outer show, but he was unable to go deeper into it.

Akkalkot Swamji Maharaj was known as the fourth incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. He took Samadhi in the year 1878. After him a saint named Balkrishna Maharaj stepped in his position and Vamanrao's father Prangovinddas used to go to him of and on.

In the month of December 16, 1910, on Datt Jayanti, Vamanrao went to Balkrishna Maharaj with his father. Balkrishna Maharaj gifted him biograply of Akkalkot Maharaj and Eknathi Bhagwat in Marathi Language.

Vamanran said to Balkrishna Maharaj, "I will accept only that saint as my Guru, who will make me see God face to face". After reading life instances of Akkalkot Mahraj, Vamanrao was deeply touched and was assured that saints who can help him to meet God are still present on this earth.

Meanwhile a relative of Vamanrao's father Sakarlal Keshavlal Bhatt met with major accident. He was badly injured in his leg. A vain of his left leg's knee was damaged and every treatment caused unproductive result.

Thus he could not walk properly. When all the ways seemed to unsuccessful, he thought that his injuiry can be only be cured by true saint's blessing only, otherwise he would die with his lame leg. He started his search for a true saint.

Deputy collector of Kheda District Shri Harivinayak Sathe, who was a staunch devotee of Baba, came in contact with Prangovinddas. He told many stories and described many leelas of Baba to Prangovinddas. Prangovinddas was highly impressed and he requested an introductory letter from Harivinayak Sathe. Everything was narrated to Sakarlal and they both left for Shirdi in the month of May in the year 1911.

Harivinayak wrote an introductory letter to Shri Balabhau Chandorkar who used to run a small hotel in Shirdi. At that time Vamanrao's father's teeth were removed surgically. The gums were weak and thus we are not able to eat chapati or any such hard substances. He ate Shira at home, but in Shirdi who will help him and how can he trouble anyone unknown to him, were his thoughts.

The responsibility of arrangement of meals for Shirdi pilgrims was entrusted to Bapusaheb Jog by Baba. Though Balabhau's hotel was providing good meals, Baba used to give some money out of his daily Dakshina to Dada Kelkar to feed visitors of Shirdi.

After the noon arti, devotees went for lunch at Dada Kelkar's place. Prangovinddas was served with chapatis. He was in fix and thought, "How will I eat these chapatis. When I was at home I ate Shira, but now there no other alternative in Shirdi." He was thinking thus and a man came running from Dwarkamai and said, "Baba has asked for a potful of Shira, so tell all the devotees not to commence their meals, nobody should leave without eating Shira. So please wait till Shira is served".

Prangovinddas was surprised and came to know that Baba is an unique saint. He was impressed by the ability of Baba to know inner feelings of all His devotees. Thus the Prangovinddas experienced Baba's divine powers in his first trip to Shirdi, but Sakarlal had no such experience till they left Shirdi after next two days. Sakarlal's divine experience is reserved for the next post.

It was some time in the year 1913, when a woman wearing black sari and carrying an infant in her hand climbed steps of Dwarkamai in early morning. She placed the infant on the floor of Masjid Mai and bowed down to its presiding deity Sai Baba. The women whose name was Durgabai Karmaarkar was so touched by Baba's darshan that she forgot everything and tears flowed down her cheeks. At that very moment all her bad deeds vanished. Durgabai's baby was of eight months. She was very poor and it seemed difficult to her to meet expenses of her Shirdi stay.

Omnipotent Baba already knew about this fact and said, "This is Sai's court. This Dwarkamai does good to everyone. Dont worry about anything. Nothing can trouble you Here. Now go and sit under that Neem tree. Sit there for three days without uttering a single word and dont partake any food or water. On fourth day morning everything will be alright".

Durgabai answered, "Baba! I am not bothered if i dont get food or water for three consecutive days. But what about my little kid? He lives on milk. So if i get some milk let alone other food for him, it is enough for me. Baba! i am very poor. I have none to support".

Baba answered, "Go, Go, if you dont get milk for your kid, dont give him anything. Just keep him sleeping. Allah is Malik! - Allah is Almighty!"

There was no room for doubt in Baba's words for Durgabai. Still her eyes were wet with tears.

Durgabai decided to stick with Baba's words whatever may be the consequence, good or bad. Baba's words gave her immense strength to abide by this order.

Durgabai went and sat under neem tree as Baba's words were law and strength for such helpless devotees. It was the same neem tree where, today, Gurusthan is sighted. Three days were passed by Durgabai without food and water and without uttering a single word to anyone. But more surprising fact here was that the infant of eight months also did not cry for milk or food. Even both mother and son did not attended to their natural calls during these three days.

On the fourth day in early morning Baba came and gave a piece of chapati to Durgabai and place a two rupee coin in her son's hand to buy milk. Baba gave some advice to Durgabai, "Dont talk with anyone unnecessarily. Be silent till it is possible. Serve others and that will be considered as My Service." While such talks were going on between Baba and Durgabai, Balabhau having a hotel of his own in Shirdi, came to them and said to Baba with his folded hands, "Baba! i take responsibility of this lady on my shoulders".

Thus Baba arranged everything to feed that poor lady and her son. The infant was not named till then. Baba named him Raghunath.

Durgabai had decided to stay in Shirdi for seven to eight days. After this span of time she went to Dwarkamai for permission to leave Shirdi. Baba said, "Go and sit at your place. I have pulled you here, but I have not pulled you here to return. I pull only those who are Mine".

The lane between Dwarkamai and Lendibaug was unoccupied at that time. So if any residence was built in that unoccupied space then one could have easy darshan of Baba while His rounds to Lendibaug in morning and evening. With her efforts and toil, Durgabai built a Kachha house in between the way from Dwarkamai to Lendibaug in a short time. She installed a photograph of Baba for daily worship. She had preserved that two rupees coin with her which Baba gave to her son for milk. The same was kept in shrine by Duragabai and daily worshiped without fail in early morning.

Has not this title confused you and left you thinking for a while. Well, to be honest, this was an instant precise moral of the topic which i am going to cover in this post. Instances has been referred in Shri Sai Satcharitra when Sai Baba was seen red in anger and devotees being frightened by such behaviour. But there is some peculiarity about Baba's anger.

Lord Shri Rama has been named as 'Jeet-Krodh' meaning 'The One Who has controlled Anger'. Shri Rama seemed as live embers when He was angry at the time of war and Ravan was in front of Him. As and when Ravan got defeated in the war, Shri Rama used to calm and said to His warriors, "You all return to your dwellings. Come back tomorrow for war".

Thus Lord Rama has been rightly named thus and it is clear that Lord Rama was capable of getting angry as circumstances needed and cooled down as the requirement ended. Similarly Baba was seen being angry all of a sudden, which puzzled His devotees most of the time. This was one of the reasons that many people of Shirdi considered Him as a Mad Fakir. At one time, when Prof. G. Narke saw Baba in anger and abusing others, concluded mentally that Baba is mad. Thenafter when Narke went and bowed to Baba, Baba said, "Narke, I am not a Mad man". By this incident it is clear that Baba, even in the state of anger, was fully aware of feelings and thoughts arising in His devotees' mind. Even in such a state, Baba ended His devotees' pains and sorrows. Thus He can also be called 'Jeet-Krodh'.

Saints' acts are beyond intellect and logical thinking. They perform extraordinary acts which surprises and confuses a normal person possessing a restricted vision. Thus such extraordinary acts of Saints become miracles for common man and they are normal course of dealings for saints. Our Baba is also of same kind and it was difficult to understand His words and acts.

One instance can be seen here:

Once Shama was bitten by a poisonous snake. His little finger of the hand was stung and the poison began to spread into the body. The pain was also severe and Shama thought that he would pass off soon. His friends wanted to take him to the God Vithoba, where such cases were often sent, but Shama ran to the Masjid -- to His Vithoba (Sai Baba). When Sai Baba saw him, He began to scold and abuse. He got enraged and said - "Oh vile Bhaturdya (Priest) do not climb up. Beware if you do so" and then roared - "Go, Get away, Come down." Seeing Sai Baba thus red with wrath, Shama was greatly puzzled and disappointed. He thought that the Masjid was his home and Sai Baba his sole Refuge, but if he was driven away like this, where should he go? He lost all hope of life and kept silent. After a time Sai Baba became normal and calm when Shama went up and sat near. Then Sai Baba said to him - "Don't be afraid, don't care a jot, the Merciful Fakir will save you, go and sit quiet at home, don't go out, believe in Me and remain fearless and have no anxiety". Then he was sent home. Immediately afterwards, Sai Baba sent Tatya Patil and Kakasaheb Dixit to him with instructions to the effect, that he should eat what he liked, should move in the home, but should never lie down and sleep. Needless to say that these instructions were acted upon and Shama got all-right in a short time. The only thing to be remembered in this connection is this - the words of Sai Baba (or the five syllabled Mantra, viz, `Go, Get away, Come down') were not addressed to Shama - as it apparently looked - but they were a direct order to the snake and its poison not to go up and circulate through Shama's body. Like others well-versed in Mantrashastra, He had not to use any incantation, charged rice or water etc. His words only were most efficacious in saving the life of Shama. Thus Baba by His words saturated with wrath and anger, asked the snake's poison not to affect His pet devotee Shama and saved his life.

One more instance suits here:

Mr.B.V.Dev who was Mamlatdar of Dahanu (Thana District) wished for a long time to read Jnaneshwari - (the well-known Marathi commentary on the Bhagawad-Gita by Jnaneshwar), along with other scriptures. He could read daily one chapter of the Bhagawad-Gita, and some portion of other books; but when he took Jnaneshwari in hand, some difficulties cropped up and he was precluded from reading it. With this aim in mind, when Mr. Dev went to Shirdi, Baba got angry and charged him for stealing His rages with all sorts of abuses. After cooling down, Baba gave him a direct order to read Jnaneshwari and tackled all the obstructions. Now, apparently, we cannot relate this incident of Baba's anger, His direct order and reading the sacred work. But as said earlier some difficulties cropped up as soon as the book was taken in hand to read. Baba's anger was to those difficulties and invisible cruel powers which were refraining Mr. Dev to satisfy his earnest desire to read. All those invisible cruelties could not withstand Baba's anger and returned back leading Mr.Dev to read the book.

A similar incident took place with Mr. Gadge Bua too. He was engaged in the construction and building up a large Dharmashala (lodge) in Nashik. For this purpose, lakhs of rupees were needed and the same was collected through subscriptions. But after sometime, difficulties were faced to collect money. Bua went to Baba with a prayer to end up those difficulties and invisible cruel powers. Baba, as usual, got angry and abused him. Instead of being scared or frightened, Bua started laughing on experiencing Baba's anger. Seeing this, Baba also started laughing with Bua. Then, Gadge Bua returned. Baba had ended all the difficulties and negative powers with His anger and soon the money started pouring again smoothly and the pre-determined task was accomplished.

Baba when came to Shirdi as young Fakir and roamed about in forests, was seen abusing and speaking words in anger there. Even sometimes He laughed loudly and gestured in all the four directions in strange ways. Thus, it can be concluded that Baba had the power to destroy the invisible cruel and negative powers from beginning only and this continued even after He was surrounded by His devotees and never neglected His duties assigned to Him and for which He was sent in flesh and body on the earth.

Sai Baba was tested by Vamanrao by offering apple to Baba's photo and it was partaken by Baba lovingly by eating all the pulp and only skin of the apple remained in tact. In this way Baba assured Vamanrao regarding His presence and all-pervasiveness. The detailed story from Sai Sarovar was posted in one of the previous posts and devotees who wish to read it can follow the link.

In the year 1911, in the last week of November, Vamanrao Patel's LLB examination got over and as per his vow he decided to go to Shirdi. Nanasaheb Chandorkar was in Mumbai at that time. So he wrote an introductory note to his son-in-law Shri Balabhau who had a small hotel in Shirdi. Vamanrao's father Prangovinddas was very much aware of his son's nature. He know that because his son was studying law he always had prons and cons in his mind. No lawyer will trust on anything without seeing it by his own eyes. Moreover Vamanrao always said that, "I will not accept this truth there is God in this world, unless I see God face to face".

Prangovinddas said to Vamanrao, "O Son! look at the stars in the sky, sun and moon arise and sets at correct time, they give light and due to this light human beings and other lives get life. All this is done by supreme and nothing is in our hands". This did not affect Vamanrao's thinking a jot, instead he argued saying, "All this works as scheduled then where is God in all this?"

Vamanrao's such firm thoughts were not concealed to his father Prangovinddas and thus before going to Shirdi he thought to give his son some advice on Baba's nature and mode of showering blessings on His devotees. He said, "Look Vamanya, Saibaba is very queer fellow. Do not speak a word of arguement in front of Him, instead try to search the deep meaning from the words which fell in your ears. Accept with gratitude anything whether good or bad, whether given with love or with angry heart, given by Baba. Any gift received by such saints is for our welfare only."

Carefully listening father's advice, Vamanrao took the introductory letter in the name of Balabhau and proceeded to Shirdi on December 10, 1911 from Boribandar in train. He reached Kopergaon by boarding another train from Manmad. He took bath in Holy River Godavari and hired Marwadi's tonga till Shirdi.

As soon as they reached Shirdi, a small crowd was seen with cries "Victory Be Unto Sai". Marwadi Tongawala stopped tonga and said, "The Person Who is walking in between the crowd is Sai Baba! He is going to Lendibaug for walk." Saying this the tongawala alighted from tonga and prostrated to Sai Baba. Vamanrao also followed this.

Vamanrao thought, "This is That God whom I was searching". He was reminded of his father's experience how Baba arranged for Shira at the last moment of meals and took care of his comfort. Baba fed his father and satisfied him to his heart's content and he found that thing which for which he came to Shirdi and thus he am also satisfied.

As Vamanrao had introductory letter from Nanasaheb Chandorkar, Balabhau arranged for Vamanrao's lodging in Dixit Wada and took him for Baba's darshan. The thirst of Baba's darshan did not decrease a jot in Vamanrao's heart and so he again went to Dwarkamai with Marwadi pilgrimage. But Baba adopted angry form and did not allow them to step in Dwarkamai. As they both were scared they did not dare to go for Noon Arti. They sat in Radhakrishnamai's home and took darshan of Baba from there only during Arti. After lunch Vamanrao went to Dwarkamai with Shri Shingane, Judge of High Court. Baba gave prasad of grapes sent by Radhakrishnamai to Vamanrao.

Meanwhile a devotee put forward a question before Baba, "Baba, plague bubos were seen on Your body, do they pain now?" Baba answered, "Bhau (brother), What is its treatment?! The bubos will disappear as they appeared. I took this disease on Me. Only total of seven people from the whole village will die due to plague, not more than that."

Baba was seated on His seat and rested His Hand on the bloster and Vamanrao sat on raised stone adjacent to the bolster. After few minutes a crowd headed towards Dwarkamai with Baba's name. All the people requested Baba to take care of them and safeguard their lives from plague.